“Kathleen, I have a question that I would love to get answers to. A few of my friends and I would like to retire somewhere we can afford that’s nice, and that’s probably not going to be the USA. We all have different needs and ideas of places that would work for each person. Some of us are straight, some are gay, some are single.
“Most of your information talks about retired couples moving to another country and having their various needs and interests met. What about other people that don’t fit that description?
“What countries and towns would be safe and accepting for a single woman? I haven’t heard you talk about that yet. Lots of us single women can’t afford to retire comfortably in the USA.
“What about gay men or women? Where would they be safe and accepted and have other gay people near to socialize with besides the nice straight couples? Of course they can just live and socialize amongst the general population, as they always have, but they also have some other needs like safety concerns.
“We would really like to know the answers so we can start planning and exploring our options. We all will be of retirement age in the next 5 to 10 years.
“Thanks for your time. I look forward to hearing back from you. I really enjoy getting your newsletters and hearing about all the wonderful places to retire.”
–Vic G., United States
You’re right. We should be addressing these specific interests more often.
We wrote recently of our top recommendation for single women.
And stay tuned for tomorrow’s issue, when we’ll reveal one of our top picks for where a gay couple or single might consider launching a new life overseas.
In addition, we address the best LGBT-friendly destinations featured in our brand-new, just-released 2015 Retire Overseas Index. You can obtain a copy here.
Continuw reading: Why Should You Consider Living In Chile?
Is Algarve, Portugal, A Gay-Friendly Retirement Choice?
“Kathleen, we are a long-term gay couple who are considering moving overseas. We are legally married and low-key/non-flamboyant by nature. Therefore, we are not looking for a gay nightlife intensive area and are not interested in living in a ‘gay ghetto,’ as it were. In particular, we are looking at the Algarve region of Portugal and Madeira, Portugal. We recently read your article about the Algarve and have a few questions.
“First, you state that one would be able to live comfortably but modestly on a monthly budget of US$1,500 to US$2,000. Does that figure include rent, or does it assume that one has purchased property and is living rent free?
“Also, how current is that budget figure information?
“Second, would we be accepted as a gay married couple in the places in which one can live on said budget?
“Thank you very much for your time and expertise!”
–Charles B., United States
Those budget figures are current… as of the past few months.
And, yes, a budget of US$2,000 could definitely include rent. You could rent something comfortable and well located in the Algarve for as little as 500 euros per month… which is only slightly more than that in dollar terms right now.
Finally, yes, I think that Portugal in general could be a good choice for a gay couple. I don’t think you’d have any trouble fitting in, making friends, and finding your place in the community.
Best way to find out if the Algarve might suit you would be to come have a look for yourself. Here are details of our next event in this region, taking place July 6–8. The Early Bird Discount remains in effect.
